We used a pneumatic catapult this year with two 10 in stroke, 1 1/2 in bore pistons, and c-channel with 'speed holes'

and bent flatstock. We ended up as finalists at Centerline, and got our highest pick in team history, so yeah, I'd say the pneumatic catapult played a part.
I would like to thank 842, though, because until my team saw their catapult prototype video, our team had no intent on building a shooter.
